Meet Broadway Wiz Bright Star, Sandy from Stevensville, Michigan.
Her favorite show is Phantom and she created a series of Christine Daae fan art called #sharkdaae.
On average, how many Broadway shows do you see a year?
2-3
How many local shows or community theater shows do you see a year?
4-5
Favorite Broadway show:
Phantom of the Opera
All-time favorite performer:
Kaitlyn Davis
Songs you like to belt in the shower:
“Burn,” “Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again,” “Don’t Rain On My Parade,” If I Were A Bell,” and many many more
Favorite piece of theater memorabilia you own:
A giant Phantom of the Opera poster my mom found at a garage sale and inside I put two of my Phantom of the Opera playbills in it.
Most memorable performance you’ve ever seen:
January 5th, 2017 I saw the Phantom of the Opera on tour. It was my first time seeing a professional production of Phantom live (and I have loved Phantom since I was 11 years old, I just have never had the opportunity to see it live until now) Kaitlyn Davis was my Christine and Derrick Davis was my Phantom. It completely blew me away. I actually started crying when the overture started, and basically cried throughout the whole show. I don’t think I slept that night at all haha. It was the best day of my entire life.
Best interaction you have had with another theater fan:
I went to a huge theatre festival and was auditioning for the musical theatre intensive portion of it. Everyone was so friendly at auditions and there were times someone would start singing a song and we would all join in. The sense of family was so great, it was amazing.
Why do you love theater?
It is my life. I cannot express in words the joy it brings me. I cannot see myself doing anything else in life. Even better, it helps with my anxiety. At first, I wasn’t sure why, but after a little while, I realized something…when I was playing a character, that character didn’t have anxiety, so in that moment I didn’t have anxiety. It’s so hard to explain, but so wonderful. Theatre can be so beneficial to your soul and your health.
Dream roles?
Christine Daae. I cannot explain enough how much I want to play her. I’m not 100% sure why, but I have such a deep connection with her and I resonate so well with her character. Other fun roles would be Ariel (The Little Mermaid), Carrie (Carrie the Musical), Fantine (Les Mis), Amalia (She Loves Me), and so many more, but those are the ones I can think of right now.
Best stagedoor or backstage experience?
Meeting Kaitlyn Davis, 100%. My sister and I went right back to the stage door of the Cadillac Palace Theatre in Chicago. And we waited for a little bit. (Note: It was freezing, below zero.) No one else was at the stage door (probably because of the temperature.) I was sooo nervous because this was my first time at a stage door and I had no clue what to do. People came out the door and were leaving (I didn’t know who they were, it didn’t help that it was dark) and I almost left a few times because I was so nervous that Kaitlyn Davis had already left or whatnot but my sister convinced me to stay and I was so glad I did. I go up to one of the girls leaving the stage door and ask “Hi, is this the stage door?” and she said “Oh yes! Are you waiting to meet us?” and that’s when I realized I was talking to Kaitlyn Davis aka Christine. My heart dropped to my stomach. She asked if I wanted her to sign my playbill and I said yes and that’s when I realize I don’t have a pen. My sister comes to the rescue. The pen doesn’t work. I swear I don’t know how Kaitlyn Davis understood me because what I said next was “canIgetapicturewithyouinstead?” I spoke so fast. I was so nervous. I don’t know why. She, of course, said yes and was so sweet about it. If you are reading this Kaitlyn, thanks for putting up with me! I swear I normally am not that nervous!
Favorite spots in NYC:
I sadly haven’t been to NYC yet. I’ve heard that Ellen’s Stardust Diner is a great place to go, though!
If you could sing a duet or perform a scene with any Broadway star, who would it be?
Kaitlyn Davis or Derrick Davis
Did you ever fangirl when you met an actor/performer?:
Read my stagedoor experience above. If that wasn’t fangirling, I don’t know what is.
Favorite thing about Broadway Wiz?
The tips and tricks. I always have loved learning tips and tricks to improve.
What would your super power be?
Flying!
Besides theater, what are some of your other passions or hobbies?
I love drawing, singing, playing instruments, hanging with friends, playing with animals, and not much else other than theatre. Theatre is my life.
Where can we stalk you online?
Twitter: @SandraTarnowski
Instagram: @SandyLinda97
Anything else you would like to share? Funny stories, weird facts about yourself, cool talents?
Funny story (I mean I think it’s funny). You know how once you become a huge fan of an actor/actress you kinda stalk their social media? I found the funniest pictures of Kaitlyn Davis in a shark hoodie. From that #SharkDaae was born. I thought I would be funny and draw Christine in the famous phantom pose where Christine is standing in front of the phantom, touching his face; but instead of wearing her normal dressing gown, she would be wearing the shark hoodie. I tagged @KNDavis27 (her Instagram) and she commented! She said she loved it and asked if she could share. *insert fangirl moment* I was like “of course!” (I mean who wouldn’t?) I thought “well I should draw more of these since she’s a fan!” From there on, I drew more and more #sharkdaae (currently at 4 drawings) You can see them on my Instagram or Twitter. Or you can search #sharkdaae